Our federal government is at it again. Seemingly heedless of the economic hardship many families and businesses are facing, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) are moving toward a drastic increase in the fuel efficiency standards. Those two federal agencies have already imposed a 40 percent increase in fleet fuel efficiency to 35 miles per gallon, phased in during the 2012-16 interval.

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Question: I paid to have a financial plan done for me about three or four years ago. It was very well done, but I put it on the shelf and never did anything with it. When I pulled it out the other day, I was amazed at how much worse off I am today than I was supposed to be. What is the value of these things when so much can change?

Answer: What is the value of a $10,000 state-of-the-art refrigerator if you never plug it in?

Many women end up managing their finances alone at some point in their lives. Unfortunately, the first time many of them get involved with financial matters is during a crisis, such as a spouse’s death or divorce.

We’ve prepared a list of thought-provoking questions that pertain to financial fitness and crisis preparedness. It will be time well spent to review this list, determine what you have already done and talk with your financial advisor about any issues that affect you and/or your family.

Asset Management
• Do I have a clear picture of where my assets are located?

Late winter and early spring are the peak months for planting vegetable gardens in our region, but for those who enjoy fall gardens and their bounty, August is the beginning of the fall planting season, which continues until late November. I know it is hard to believe but the summer heat will soon give way to cooler weather, creating ideal conditions for the salvaged spring garden plants such as tomatoes and peppers.